Those long sunny days are coming to an end, which means the days are shorter and the nights are cooler… your window for finishing up your outdoor painting projects is also closing. With weather like this, it is important to beware of exterior painting when those temperatures drop. Painting when the weather is too cold is a mistake that will leave you with unsightly consequences, and will lessen the life of the paint.

Premature failure due to the film freezing. If the film is unable to coalesce correctly, the paint, at a microscopic level will look like alligator skin.

The paint will not bond to a substrate that is is frozen or below surface temp recommendation. This includes the 24 to 48 hours after application depending upon Manufacturer Specifications.

In the morning, if the surface is not adequately dry or up to manufacturer’s recommended temperature you could potentially be sealing in moisture that will find its way to the surface. Depending upon the amount of moisture migrating through the film, it could pop the paint off the surface and be filled with water. It will look like your surface has water blisters. Sometimes, if you pop the “water blisters” they will shrink back down; however, you have a pin hole in your film that will let water in over time. The damage will have been done to have premature coatings failure.

Most manufacturers instruct homeowners to apply latex paints when ambient and surface temperatures are at least 50 degrees. Below 50 degrees, latex paints dry more slowly, especially when high humidity is present. This hinders coalescence, which can lead to poor film-forming, lack of surface adhesion and premature paint failure.

Some manufacturers offer latex paints that can be applied at temperatures as low as 36 degrees F. These specially formulated products contain coalescing agents that aid in film-forming during lower temperatures. When a manufacturer says Latex can be applied as low as 36 degrees F, the ambient temperature and/or surface temperature needs to stay above that for 24 hours for proper film forming rk MILES does stock an exterior latex paint line and an exterior solid color latex stain line that is rated to 36 degrees. They are both manufactured by California Paints.

Daylight plays a big role in the paint drying process. When the days are short, there is less daylight available to aid in drying. So, be sure to paint early in the day so that light is present to add in the drying process.

Humidity affects the drying time of all paints, but especially latex paints so you must also consider the effects of heavy dew. Most manufacturers recommend that at least two hours be allowed for paint to dry before sunset if cool temperatures and heavy dew are expected that evening. Remember to give some time in the morning for any heavy dew to dissipate off the surface.

Finally, keep in mind that cooler temperatures may extend the time before the paint reaches serviceability or hardness. An enameled door requires more time before it can be closed without sticking to the jamb. A clear coating applied to a deck will need more time before you can walk on it. Primers require more time before top-coating. Knowing all of this may aid you as you go about your painting chores this Fall.

We have been covered with a new, thick carpet of white all over our section of Vermont. On a sunny day, it is beautifully bright and clean. On a cloudy or snowy day, it can feel so cold and sad. How can you bring more color into the winter landscape? Here are some tips, from easy and temporary to a bit more of a commitment.

A quick, easy and fragrant fix is to pick up some flowers. Spring colored tulips and daffodils are showing up at the market. Fill even a few small vases and place around your home. For more of a lift, there are blooming hyacinths and primrose that have been forced for the winter. Mass a group of these colorful plants in baskets or bowls and place on your dining table or window sills for a glimpse into Spring.Along the same lines, search out fresh scented candles. Keep a candle on the kitchen counter and light it while cooking or cleaning up. It is a great way to erase the odors trapped in our houses for the winter and provide a soft glow.

Another simple pick me up is to search out new, fun and colorful dishtowels or kitchen throw rugs. These items tend to become a bit tired over time, and a refresh is a great way to bring color into your home. Along these same lines, new pillows and a throw are another speedy update. A popular solution is to have a collection of seasonal pillows and throws that you can change out as the mood or season suits you. A ski house may call for a Nordic theme in the winter and change out to a woodland theme in the summer.

Lastly, in the big commitment category, there is a new paint color. Perhaps you have been toying with the idea of an accent wall, or the powder room needs an good overhaul. This is an opportunity to try a risky color or step up to a faux finish.

Expecting company this summer? Is your quest room is looking a little tired? How can you make your guests feel special? There are any number of easy solutions and many you may already have around your home.Summer time begs for clean white sheets and bright pillows and rugs. A few colorful pillows and a coordinating throw rug go a long way to perking up a room.Don’t forget the sun is rising quite early this time of year. New shades or curtains may be in order.

rk MILES carries a great selection of ready-made roller shades in a variety of textures and colors available now. Soft, flowing curtains are another simple way to add style to a guest room.A small vase of fresh flowers is always a lovely finishing touch. Pick them from your garden or stop at the farmers’ market. Add a container of drinking water and glasses and you are ready to welcome guests.

One of our favorite things we like to do in the Paint dept is to resuscitate old furniture. An easy an inexpensive solution can be found with spray paint and wallpaper. In this situation, we had a simple wood table that had previously been painted cream. We wanted to find a way to make the table coordinate with some brown wicker furniture. Rather than try to figure out a way to faux paint wicker, we went to one of our favorite wallpaper vendors, Thibaut. We found a terrific match in the Texture Resource book (www.thibautdesign.com). This book is all heavy-duty vinyl wallcoverings in great textures resembling grass cloths and wovens. You can order oversized samples for $5 and $10 depending on the size you want. The first step was to lightly sand the table to insure a smooth surface. Next, we used a good solid brown color, Espresso, from Rust-Oleum to paint the table.TIPS FOR SPRAY PAINTING:
We like to use a spray trigger as it allows for better control of the spray action (you can find these at our Paint & Decorating Department- just ask!). Use several light coats allowing the paint to dry between coats. Use a razor to cut off any mistakes or glooping of the paint. Quick drying spray paint does not require more than 15-20 minutes to set up, so this will move quickly.The next step is to make a template of the tabletop by placing the table on the reverse side of the wallpaper and tracing it. Use the template to make the perfect fit. The template is then placed on the wallpaper for tracing. Cut out the wallpaper and check the fit on the tabletop. When you have a good fit, use a spray adhesive to adhere it to the tabletop. That is all there is to it.The whole project took about one hour and cost approximately $34!